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Joseph J. Baker Correspondence,

 Collection
Identifier: Ms-2011-046

Scope and Content

This collection consists of letters from Confederate soldier Joseph H. Baker of the 54th Regiment Virginia Infantry, dated October 2, 1863, and June 15, 1864. In addition to battle descriptions (Chickamauga and Marietta, Georgia), including estimates of wounded, killed, and captured soldiers, Baker writes of food resources and sends sentiments to his family.

Collection includes transcription.

Dates

  • 1863 - 1864

Creator

Access Restrictions

Collection is open for research.

Use Restrictions

Permission to publish material from Joseph J. Baker Correspondence must be obtained from Special Collections, Virginia Tech.

Biographical Information

Joseph J. Baker was born about 1841 in Wythe County, Virginia. He enlisted with Company K, 54th Regiment, Virginia Infantry, in April 1862. In October 1863, he was promoted to Corporal. Shortly after one of the letters in this collection was written in June 1864, Baker was taken prisoner outside Marietta, Georgia. He was released from Camp Morton, Indiana, in June 1865, and returned to Wythe County. Some time between 1865 and 1871, he married and he and his wife, Sarah, had at least four daughters. Baker died in 1931.

Extent

0.1 Cubic Feet (1 folder)

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

Joseph J. Baker's letters discuss the October 1863 Battle at Chickamauga and the 1864 battles at Marietta, Georgia, part of the Atlanta Campaign, including estimates of wounded, killed, and captured soldiers, food resources, and sentiments sent to his family.

Arrangement

Collection is arranged chronologically.

Acquisition Information

These items were purchased by Special Collections in April 2011.

Processing Information

The processing, arrangement, and description of the Joseph J. Baker Correspondence was completed in May 2011.

Title
A Guide to the Joseph J. Baker Correspondence, 1863-1864
Subtitle
A Collection in Special Collections
Status
Completed
Author
Jonathan Grunert
Date
©2011 Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. All rights reserved.
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin

Repository Details

Part of the Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech Repository

Contact:
Special Collections and University Archives, University Libraries (0434)
560 Drillfield Drive
Newman Library, Virginia Tech
Blacksburg Virginia 24061 US
540-231-6308